Makes his first-class debut in Hamilton, playing for Canterbury against Northern Districts, at the age of 18. Is promptly removed by Richard de Groen for nought.

March 19, 1994

Hamilton is nicer this time

Gives a glimpse of his talent on Test debut, against India, scoring 92 in the second innings and earning the Man-of-the-Match award. Follows this just days later with 90 on his one-day international debut in Napier.

1995

Grass is greener

Is caught by team management and admits to smoking marijuana on tour in South Africa, for which he is later fined $175.

January 24-25, 1997

What took you so long?

Scores his first century, in his 23rd Test and in his fourth season as an international, when he makes 129 against England in Auckland.

February 14, 1997

Never too early to start

At 23 years and 319 days, becomes the youngest Test captain in New Zealand's history when he leads the side against England. He is initially standing in for Lee Germon, who cannot play due to a groin injury, but the position soon becomes permanent.

February-March, 1999

Injury catches up

October 15, 2000

Say hello to big-time wins

February-March, 2003

World Cup blues

March 31, 2004

His nation's best

Is named New Zealand's Cricketer of the Year after a season that includes his highest Test score - 274 not out against Sri Lanka - as well as a hefty 192 against Pakistan.

July 10, 2004

Better things await

Leads his side to victory in the tri-series with West Indies and England. New Zealand cruise to a 107-run win in the final against West Indies, and Fleming is named Player of the Series for his 254 runs at 50.80.

October 26-27, 2004

Bashing Bangladesh

September 17, 2005

County champion

Captains Nottinghamshire to their first County Championship title since 1987 with a comprehensive win over Kent in Canterbury (incidentally his home side in New Zealand is called Canterbury too). His form throughout the tournament is outstanding as he scores four centuries and finishes with 908 runs at 60.53.

November 2005

Kills the cancer

April 15, 2006

Centurion at Centurion

October 25, 2006

Most-frequent captain

Breaks Arjuna Ranatunga's record of 193 one-day internationals as captain, and becomes the world's most experienced ODI leader. Celebrates by making 80 in a convincing win over Pakistan in Mohali.

April 24, 2007

Out of World Cup, out of captaincy

Quits as New Zealand's limited-overs captain after they are eliminated from the World Cup at the semi-final stage. Scores 1 in what proves to be his last ODI. Finishes his reign with a record 218 matches as leader and a winning percentage of 48.04.

July-August, 2007

What after New Zealand?

Is approached by the Indian Cricket League to captain a side in its new competition. Does not publicly announce his intentions, leading to speculation he is considering retirement from the New Zealand team.

September 13, 2007

New Zealand move on, so does Fleming

A day after Daniel Vettori is named the new Test captain, says he had seriously considered the ICL option ($500,000 for a three-month tournament), but chooses to stay on with the New Zealand team. "Effectively I had lost my job so there was a lot of emotion flying around." Three days later, joins the player pool for the IPL.

February 14, 2008

Final blow

Announces he will retire from international cricket at the end of the home series against England. Plans to mix and match playing the IPL and starting his own marketing, media and sports management business.

March 22-26, 2008

Vintage Fleming

In his last Test in Napier, scores 59 and 66 beautiful runs, and then gives it away with lazy shots. Ends up with 12 more runs than what would have given him a career average of 40, a fair assessment of what many believe is a wasted talent.